Chapter: Chapter 206Derek POV The things he is willing to do make me sick to my stomach, and I'm finally done. He deserves everything coming to him. I was glad that the trial with Maddison's mother went smoothly. Turns out, there is nothing Maddison loves more than her reputation and money, and for that, she is willing to let her mother rot and make herself the victim.I was finally done with the cooking and dished our food in the dining room.I slipped my hand into my pocket, ensuring the ring was safely secured.Clara voiced her approval. I'd made a Pad Thai dish for her, knowing it was her favourite. I finally influenced her. "If my mom calls, please tell her I'm not pregnant." She stated this in the middle of her dinner.I nearly choked on my food as my eyes widened."Are you pregnant?" I questioned, puzzled. "Of course yes. She came over the other day and found a pregnancy test in my bathroom." She explained."Oh," I noted, amazed. "That explains why she's been texting me a lot more often." I am
Última atualização: 2024-05-22
Chapter: Chapter 205Derek’s POVI must have looked at my watch about five times in the same minute. Why was I nervous? I've made far more risky decisions, and none have ever made my heart beat this fast. The house had already been set, our dinner table was perfect, and the garden was just as I had instructed. Clara would be arriving any moment from now, and I was almost done cooking. Everything was perfect, so why was I this nervous?I wiped the sweat off my brow. Vincent was right; my idea was stupid. What was I thinking about planning a proposal here? Surely, I could have thought of a better idea.I needed to calm down. Hopefully, she had another busy night, and she wouldn't show up.Maybe I should turn off my lights and pretend I wasn't home. But she'd walk in. That's what I get for giving her an extra key.Since we've both been tied up with work, we have dinner almost every evening. It made sense that we'd both have the keys to each other's apartments after she moved out of her mother's.I needed to
Última atualização: 2024-05-22
Chapter: Chapter 204Derek POV About a month ago, my mother decided that the best way to end her obsession was to start a new one. She went and got herself a replacement kid. I don't know who in their right mind decided that it was okay for her to adopt a ten-year-old kid. I'd be fine with all this, except the kid hates me. I've done nothing wrong to him. Maybe I'm a bit biassed, but it only took one visit to know there was no longer any space for me in that house."You should be happy about this," Vincent laughed. "Your mother will finally get to fix all the mistakes she made with you. It happened to me, too." He laughed.The secretary walked in to announce that an old friend of ours, Dexter, had arrived. We were working on a new business venture, and we had been waiting for him to start our meeting officially.Dexter walked into my office as laid back as usual. He had barely changed much since I'd last met him. He had a few classes in college together.We exchanged greetings as Dexter settled himself i
Última atualização: 2024-05-22
Chapter: Chapter 203Derek's POVSOME MONTH LATERI swivelled in my chair, fiddling with my pen as I tried to develop ideas. When I needed my brain the most, I couldn't think of anything. I've never felt this anxious about anything before."Are you certain that's a good idea?" I inquired of Vincent, who sat across from me.He had visited my office to discuss our new business deal. We just happened to have moved on to the next item on the agenda.He looked at me in disbelief, as if there was only one obvious answer. "Yes, which woman wouldn't want you to take her to Paris and propose to her in front of the Eiffel Tower?" He answered sarcastically. He threw his hands in the air in disbelief.As incredible as his idea sounded, that didn't sound like something Clara would want. She wasn't that sort of girl.I leaned into my chair and stared at the ceiling. I always thought the proposal would be the hardest part, but I guess so was how to propose."If you think that is too cliché, you can go on a private islan
Última atualização: 2024-05-22
Chapter: Chapter 202Clara's POV I leaned on the door and peeked through to stare at Derek's motionless body. My eyes were quickly whelmed in tears. I never wanted things to end this way.Without thinking, I pushed open the door and walked in.I collapsed into his chest, held onto him tightly, and sobbed."Please wake up and get back to me; I'll do anything. I love you." I whispered. I held onto him even tighter.I wish I'd said this when he wasn't fighting for his life. There were so many things I would have loved to have done differently, but now I can't take any of it back.I suddenly froze as I felt a hand patting my head.I looked up.I blinked at Derek, who was staring back at me. For the first time, I saw clearly. Derek wasn't covered in bandages or had wounds all over his face, as I expected."It's okay, I'm alright." He answered.I wiped away the tears, my vision becoming clearer. "You are not hurt?" I asked, finally realising what had happened."No, but I will be if you continue squeezing me li
Última atualização: 2024-05-22
Chapter: Chapter 201Clara's POVDAYS LATERIt took a few days before the doctors could clear me out and send me home. I was being discharged today, and I had decided it would be the start of my new life.Derek hasn't come over as much, at least not to see me. It meant he was starting to get it. This way, we'd both be able to move on eventually.I was packing the few items Mom had brought to make me more comfortable when I heard a knock on my door. Layla peeked through the door before walking in.She has been responsible for ensuring a fresh batch of flowers in my room every day. She visited me a few times. I was glad she never pushed anything between Derek and me. Without me explaining, she said she understood.Today, there was something different about her. She didn't look like she was dressed for the runway, nor did she carry around her fancy handbag. She was wearing flat shoes. I noticed her eyes were red."I'm so sorry I haven't visited you much in the last few days. How are you, sweetheart?" she ask
Última atualização: 2024-05-22
Chapter: Chapter 173Isabella's POVThe hairdresser put my hair in a messy up do, left the tendrils to frame my face. I'm wearing a strapless white gown full of Swarovski, with a big ball gown like a queen. Thanks to Carly Lopez for helping me with the dress. I really look like a queen. She told me I need to wear something luxurious like this because I'm going to become Mrs. Remington . So I need to make a statement. Nancy agreed with her. So here I am, looking like a queen ready for her coronation.My tummy is hidden with the gown, the baby bump hasn't showed up, it is miraculous that the pumpkin doesn't show itself because I ate so much all this time. Gabriel said the nutrition goes to the baby's brain.Denise, my former boss, comes in and looks at me with his grin. "You ready, sweetheart?" He will walk me down the aisle, to the love of my life.Gabriel POV I look at my watch, my dad's watch, when we will start the wedding? I can't wait to see my wife...Christian chuckles from the couch. "Dude, relax!
Última atualização: 2026-01-30
Chapter: Chapter 172Isabella's POV"You can and you will. The trust fund for the baby is closed from the public. I already told my lawyer. The baby will have access to the trust fund when he or she reaches 18.""I agree 100% percent with your for this pumpkin, but for me—""As for you, it will go public that you now have 10% shareholders of Remington Industries and 1 billion."My eyes have not just widened, but it almost popped out now. "I can't, Nancy""You can and you will, Izzy . I have this plan even before you and Gabriel are together. I will give 1 billion to each of my granddaughter in laws. You and whoever Christian with. As for Gabriel's wife, I will give her a 10% share of the Remington Industries, so it will make Gabriel and his wife the biggest shareholders of The Remington Industries as it should be. As for Christian's wife, I will give her the same amount of money and the properties that belong to Daisy."My eyes find Gabriel for help. "Just accept it, Sweetness. You will be the head of THF
Última atualização: 2026-01-30
Chapter: Chapter 171Isabella POV The next day, the doctor gave me a clean bill so I could go home. Gabriel told me that Jack already moved all my belongings to his (.. our) house. I agreed because I didn't want to go back there and remember what Alex did to me. Alex is arrested. Gabriel's lawyer planned to charge him for a very long time in jail. The police also contacted Ben and Camilia, because Alex dragged them for the embezzlement. Now the battle is between Alex and Sanders.Everything looks better now, except Gabriel treats me like I just came out from a fatal accident. He doesn't even let me carry anything, even my purse. And he is planning to build an elevator for me in the house.I cross my arms and sit on the bed. Gabriel comes to me and squats in front of me. "Hey, what's with the pout on your lovely face, Sweetness?" He touched my mouth."I'm capable of doing a lot of things, Gabriel.""Of course! You are a smart woman. My favourite executive assistant. Don't tell this to Sarah, by the way." H
Última atualização: 2026-01-30
Chapter: Chapter 170Isabella's POVI realised it wasn't right to tie you down with the baby. But I'm not going to lie, I don't regret it, at all."I smile and touch his cheek. "You are that crazy with me, aren't you Mr. Remington ?""I'm crazy in love with you, Isabella... helplessly, hopelessly falling in love with you, Isabella Remington ," he says, touching his forehead to mine."I love you, Gabriel. And yes, this pregnancy came as a surprise to me, but envisioning that we will have a family together makes me happier than I've ever been. Because I trust you, Gabriel. I trust you will make me and our baby happy." "Thank you, Sweetness." He kisses me and whispers in my mouth "you haven't said happy birthday to your fiance, Sweetness."I pull back and study his face. I am still not sure whether he got my letter. I hope Mr and Mrs. Remington helped me to hold the letter until Gabriel came to the cemetery.He checks at his watch and turns something on it. He shows it to me. "On my watch it's 15 minutes be
Última atualização: 2026-01-30
Chapter: Chapter 169Isabella's POVOf course it's possible. You and Gabriel never used condoms and any other protection. You're not on the pill, Isabella Montenegro for God's sake. OH MY GOD!!!!!"Yeah, but I was wrong!" Gabriel says to the doctor, opening the door to my room. Both are striding fast to me."Ms. Montenegro," the doctor says to me, his face looking pissed.I nod at the doctor.He inhales deeply. "Ms. Montenegro, did you take any pregnancy test?""Um.. no.""Is Mr. Remington here, your boyfriend?""Um.. not anymore." I just want to continue, but the doctor's head swivels so fast to Gabriel. He glares at my fiancé, actually. "Wait, he just proposed to me and I said yes. So, he is my fiancé now, doctor," I say.Gabriel gives the doctor his superior shrugs. The doctor sighs and looks back at me. "So, you really, really didn't take any pregnancy test?""No. Gabriel saw my mom's pregnancy test from 26 years ago, doc."I faintly hear the doctor mumbles, "I can't believe this shit."My eyes find
Última atualização: 2026-01-30
Chapter: Chapter 168Gabriel POVHe laughs and kisses me. "God, are you Amanda Remington ?""What?" I squeak."Dad told me the same story when he proposed to mom." He laughs and opens the box. "And you're still going to wear the ring. It's a must, Sweetness."The ring inside the box is absurd! The diamond is a purplish red colour. I never saw this colour of rock before. It's not as red as ruby, it's different and very exquisite. It's huge too, the band is full with the small clear diamonds. The box read "Mrs. Remington" "Oh my God," I gasp. Gabriel takes my hand and slips the ring on me. I thought it would look super absurd. But when I raise my hand, the ring looks perfect on my finger, like it belongs there. I swallow, mesmerised by the ring."It's perfect," he whispers. I look at Gabriel. He's not looking at the ring, he is looking at me with an expression that is mixed between love, happiness, gratitude, and pride.I can't help my tears leak now. "I love you Gabriel!""I love you too, fiancé," he whisp
Última atualização: 2026-01-30
Chapter: Chapter 119Anna's POV No one comes over to help, but I don't mind. It's the least I can do to help on this trip. When the dishes are clean, I walk into the other room to see Phoebe watching something on TV with Ethan. "Come on, Phoebe. It's getting late. Let's get you in bed," I told her. She nods at me and stands up to follow me to her room. She wipes at her eyes when she crawls into bed, clearly tired from all of the traveling done today."Can we go back to the beach tomorrow?" She asks in a yawn."I thought you hated the water." I tease, tickling her side. She giggles and then pulls the covers up to hide her skin from me. "I do," she laughs. She doesn't mean it, but she is going to continue to claim that she does."Yeah, we can," I tell her."Is Ethan going to come in and tell me a story?" She asks sleepily."Not tonight, baby. He's tired, too," I reply, not even really knowing if it's true. "Okay. Goodnight. I love you." She tells me and then rolls over to go to sleep. "I love you, too
Última atualização: 2026-05-13
Chapter: Chapter 118Anna's POV"At least she has a job, Gwen. You haven't gotten off your ass in the last three years." Garret laughs, defending me. I smile over at him thankfully, and he winks. Ethan tenses in his seat, seeing the entire exchange. "Okay, well, I have been in college for the last three years, which is more than what you can say," Gwen says, rolling her eyes."You know, Anna is also a full-time student. She's studying business," Lizzie tells the table. "Oh, Anna, that's amazing! If you haven't been able to tell, business kind of runs in the family." Johnny tells me, laughing at his joke. Ethan laughs along with him, no doubt just so he won't be alone. I kindly help but laugh, too. He is charming. That entire family is charming. Conversations flowed between everyone at the table. Everything seems to be going well. Ethan seems to relax as the minutes pass. He enjoys his plate of food that contains all of the things Lizzie made just for him. I can tell that being a vegetarian in this fami
Última atualização: 2026-05-13
Chapter: Chapter 117Anna's POV"She's beautiful. You both are. Is she yours?" He asks, waving down at Phoebe. She smiles shyly and waves back. I can already tell that Phoebe is going to be swooned over by him, and she's four. "Yeah," I mumble, not wanting to explain anything to him. I don't want to explain my situation to any of them. I don't want anyone to tiptoe around the subject with me."Well, I'm Ethan's cousin. It's lovely to meet you. Mom and Aunt Lizzie are making something great in the kitchen. It smells amazing," he smiles."I can smell it from here. Lizzie always makes such amazing food," I replied."Oh, just wait until you have my mom's chicken noodle casserole. It's amazing," he laughs."We'll meet you inside, okay?" Ethan says to him, bringing all of the conversations being had to an end."Will do, boss," Garret says with a little salute. He walks back into the house, and Ethan rolls his eyes."He seems nice," I say, trying to stay positive."Of course. You think everyone is nice, Anna."
Última atualização: 2026-05-13
Chapter: Chapter 116Anna POV "You see the ocean?" Ethan asks Phoebe as we approach the seashore.She nods her head and looks towards the waves with awe. Despite hating the water, she sure does seem to be amazed at the large body of it in front of her."We're going to go out there, okay?" Ethan tells her. She shakes her head furiously, not wanting to get too close."You have these floaties, remember? It will be fine, baby. I won't let go of you." He assures her. He picks her up and begins to walk into the water. I watch as Phoebe moves her legs up so she won't touch the water, but it becomes inevitable as Ethan walks further out into the sea. He stays standing in the same spot as Phoebe looks around at the water. "It's cold." She says with a giggle, laughing as the waves come up and hit her gently."See, it's not that bad." Ethan laughs with her, smiling widely.If I could freeze time and stay in any moment forever, it would be this moment right now. Standing in the ocean with Ethan and Phoebe, laughing
Última atualização: 2026-05-13
Chapter: Chapter 115Anna POV "I keep saying that so you won't be cursed with your father's shortness forever." His uncle laughs, letting Ethan go and pulling Dee in for a kiss. I watch the couple embrace one another and look away."Hey, we aren't short. You're just freakishly tall." Dee laughs. She isn't lying either. Eth's uncle is probably 6'5. He is towering over everyone in here. "Hey, I'm Johnny, Ethan's uncle," Johnny says, extending his hand toward me and greeting me with a bright smile. "Anna," I smile and shake his hand."Ethan, is this your girl?" Johnny asks him."It is. Isn't she beautiful?" Ethan asks, pulling me into his side. "She is. Now tell me, what are you doing with a loser like him? He asked me. Ethan playfully pushes him out of the bathroom, and they begin to wrestle. This is what I wish Ethan and Dane were like. I can tell that Ethan likes his uncle, and I'm glad to see this kind of interaction."I'm going to start unpacking," I tell him and walk into the other room. I am confli
Última atualização: 2026-05-13
Chapter: Chapter 114Anna POV "There you kids are! We were beginning to think that you would never show up!" Lizzie says, walking towards us with her arms spread open. Phoebe runs over to her and hugs her. "Are you excited to be here, sweetie?" Lizzie asks her, to which Phoebe nods her head in reply."I didn't know we turned this into an entire family reunion," Ethan mutters to his mother but leans over and hugs her. "Oh, I didn't know either. Your father did all of that on his own." She sighs, shaking her head."Aunt Dee is here? And her kids?" He asks, already knowing the answer."Yes. Your uncle is going to be here later, too." She informs him."Johnny or Ricky?" He asks."Both. That will be a joy, won't it?" She asks, giving him a very sarcastic smile and kisses his cheek. "Anna, come here. I feel like I haven't seen you in forever." She says, opening up her arms for me to hug her. I adore Lizzie. She is as close to a mother as I have had in a very long time. "I know! We all need to have dinner soo
Última atualização: 2026-05-13